Before the country's civil war in the mid-20th century, the Lao city of Luang Prabang was home to the silversmiths who worked under the patronage of the royal family. After the war, most moved to the capital of Vientiane for safety, and it is there that these ornate accessories are handcrafted in an age-old tradition that begins with melting pure silver bullion into sheets and wires.

This sterling silver bracelet is a traditional court pattern of a Lao flower called dok phikoun, often used in Lao weddings. According to Lao Buddhist teachings, the intricate chain is associated with the highest blessings.